Torts warns that Penguins will be ready

GREENBURGH, N.Y. - The depleted Penguins will be a dangerous opponent for the Rangers Sunday afternoon, but not necessarily because of any spillover from Friday's brawl-filled 9-3 loss to the Islanders.

"I know even through some of their injuries, their biggest engine is their defense," coach John Tortorella said. "They'll be ready to play. We're just going to try to play our game."

The Rangers, who are winless in six games, hosted the Penguins on Feb. 1 (the Pens were minus Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin) and lost, 4-3, in a shootout, which was the last time the Rangers didn't lose in regulation. Crosby (concussion) and Malkin still are out.

The Rangers, who coughed up a 2-0 lead when the Penguins scored three goals in 8:42 of the second period, needed Ryan Callahan's power-play goal with 13 seconds left in the second period to force overtime and secure the only point they've had in six games. Seven Rangers couldn't solve Marc-Andre Fleury in the shootout and rookie Dustin Jeffrey scored the lone goal against Henrik Lundqvist.

Because of suspensions and injuries, at least five forwards who played in that game won't be in the Penguins' lineup: Matt Cooke, Chris Kunitz, Eric Godard, Arron Asham and Jeffrey. The Rangers' Chris Drury (knee surgery) and Kris Newbury have been replaced by Vinny Prospal and Erik Christensen, who are back from injuries.

The Rangers, whose losing streak is their worst since 2006, shuffled lines Saturday, moving Prospal to center and rookie center Derek Stepan to wing, but doubted there will be another 346 minutes in penalties. "It's insane, but it's hockey and it happens sometimes. Guys have to step up," Wojtek Wolski said. "If one of your teammates needs you, you've got to jump in."

Goaltender Martin Biron said: "If it was the same two teams playing again, like when I was played with Philly and Ottawa, that's another story."

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